Tempeste History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancient name Tempeste is a Norman name that would have been developed in England after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This name was a name given to a person with a quick or furious temper. The name is a metaphor derived from the Old French word tempeste, meaning storm. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. "The name is difficult to account for: it may have reference to some storm which the first bearer encountered." 1

Early Origins of the Tempeste family

The surname Tempeste was first found in Yorkshire where the this ancient family is traced to Roger Tempest 1, "progenitor of this the oldest and most distinguished of the Craven families now surviving. That this man was a Norman the name will not permit us to doubt; that he was a dependant of Roger of Poitou is extremely probable; that he was at all events possessed of Bracewell (in Craven) early in the reign of Henry I., is absolutely certain." 2

Roger Tempest held three carucates and two oxgangs on land in the Shipton Fee, co. York. 1

Later, the chapelry of Tong, in the West Riding of Yorkshire was home to another branch of the family. "The manor, including the hamlets of Cutler-Height, Far-Street, Rycroft, Holme, and Westgate-Hill, comprises by admeasurement 2643 acres, principally the property of Col. John Plumbe Tempest. Tong Hall, the seat of Col. Tempest, is a stately mansion, erected by Sir George Tempest, on the site of an ancient Hall occupied by the De Tonge, Mirfield, and Tempest families for more than 750 years; it is situated in a finely-wooded demesne, comprising much beautiful scenery, and commanding extensive views." 3

Early History of the Tempeste family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tempeste research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1400, 1434, 1558, 1562, 1594, 1653, 1675, 1678, 1679, 1680, 1689, 1697, 1700, 1707, 1708, 1717 and 1738 are included under the topic Early Tempeste History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tempeste Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Tempeste were recorded, including Tempest, Tempeste and others.

Early Notables of the Tempeste family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Robert Tempest, English High Sheriff of Durham from 1558-1562; Sir Thomas Tempest KT. (1594-1653), Attorney-General of Durham; and his son, John Tempest (died 1697), an English politician, Member of Parliament for County Durham (1675-1679); Pierce Tempest (1653-1717), English printseller, best known for the...
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tempeste Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Tempeste family to Ireland

Some of the Tempeste family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Tempeste family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Tempeste arrived in North America very early: Edward Tempest settled in Virginia in 1653; Robert Tempest settled in Virginia in 1635.

The Tempeste Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Metuenda Corolla Draconis
Motto Translation: The Dragon's Crest is to be Feared.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.